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Distance Education Tips
Below are useful tips for some of the necessary steps in beginning your distance education including college application, entrance exams, and paying for college.
College Application Tips
Select relevant references - If you're applying as a pre-med, for example, make sure you have a reference from at least one science teacher, and preferably not just your freshman bio teacher. Select teachers who know you well and who will write well about you. Then ask them politely to write your references as soon as school starts in the fall.
Apply early - There's no guarantee that applying early will get you in, but it may boost your chances of admission significantly. Studies show that private universities admit larger percentages of early decision and early action candidates. Public universities with rolling admissions fill their classes on a first-come, first-served basis. So, if you know where you want to go and financial aid isn't a big consideration, apply early.
Read your application - Read every word of the directions before you even print your name.
Copy your application - Make a copy of the application and use that copy as a work sheet. Accidents happen and papers can get lost. Better to have a copy if you need it. Also keep a copy of your completed application for reference.
Keep organized - Be organized and keep all your information easily accessible.
Entrance Exam Tips
Know the test you're taking - Make sure you know the format and scoring standards of your test ahead of time.
Read the directions - Follow the directions carefully. This can be especially important for multiple-choice questions.
Don't spend too much time on one question - If you don't know the answer, don't get hung up on it. Try eliminating the incorrect answers first. If you still don't know, make an educated guess. You can always come back if there is time.
Be prepared - Arrive on time, well-rested, fed, dressed comfortably, and prepared with extra pencils and an eraser.
College Money Tips
Don't let cost keep you from applying to your college of choice - Many colleges and universities have substantial financial resources to share with their applicants. You might qualify for scholarships, grants, or other financial aid.
Look into local and state scholarship opportunities - You'd be surprised by how many scholarships are available in your own community, through churches, professional groups and other community organizations.
Be careful of scams - Mailings that guarantee scholarships for substantial fees are usually scams. Offers that sound too good to be true usually are.
For more information on paying for college, visit our financial aid guide.
